We've been thinking about running with the dogs in a 5k next month. They have done 1.1 mile with us this past week and have done well. I decided to take them a little farther today. I went 1.1 miles without them and then picked them up to do a medium loop plus whatever we needed to get me to 3.00.
They did really well. There were some times when Tawny insisted on sniffing one blade of grass and would not move, but otherwise we ran continuously. I was dragging them a little at the end. We'll practice this distance for a while before we go any farther. We have four weeks or so.
I did 3.00 miles in 33:21 for an average pace of 11:07. Splits: 10:27, 11:15, 11:38.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
New doctor
Today I went to see my new doctor. I am really impressed by her. I'm glad I took Mina's recommendation. She took the time to gather a history and listen to my concerns. I detailed the problem I've had in my thumbs and fingers. She asked if it was related to cold, which I think it is. I can't remember if every time has been when I'm cold. She mentioned that it could be several things: Reynaud's Syndrome, an autoimmune problem, or a vascular problem. She felt a strong pulse in my wrists and ankles (though I'm not having the issue in my feet, some people do) so she doesn't think it is a circulatory thing. She thinks I may have thyroid issues which affect my reaction to cold temperatures, and that is what's causing my extremities to think they are colder than they are. So she put in a lab request to have some tests done to check for thyroid issues and Reynaud's.
We talked about the discoloration in my face (which she said was melasma) and referred me to a dermatologist to see if anything can be done. She agrees with my previous doctors in that I should get a baseline mammography at age 40 and she put in a referral for that. I will have my "well woman" appointment with her next week and by then the referral should be approved and she can recommend what kind of mammography to get (diagnostic for any abnormalities she sees or just a typical scan if she doesn't see anything).
She has a nice personality and seems to be concerned for my health. I did not feel like I was being rushed out of there. This is my first foray into civilian doctors. For the last fifteen plus years I've been seen at a Navy hospital or clinic. Everything was there. X-rays were down the hall. Pharmacy down the hall. OBGYN down the hall. Now I have to run around from doctor to doctor, always making sure that whatever I am supposed to do is OK with Tricare. It is an adjustment, but I'm willing to make that adjustment as long as I'm getting good care.
We talked about the discoloration in my face (which she said was melasma) and referred me to a dermatologist to see if anything can be done. She agrees with my previous doctors in that I should get a baseline mammography at age 40 and she put in a referral for that. I will have my "well woman" appointment with her next week and by then the referral should be approved and she can recommend what kind of mammography to get (diagnostic for any abnormalities she sees or just a typical scan if she doesn't see anything).
She has a nice personality and seems to be concerned for my health. I did not feel like I was being rushed out of there. This is my first foray into civilian doctors. For the last fifteen plus years I've been seen at a Navy hospital or clinic. Everything was there. X-rays were down the hall. Pharmacy down the hall. OBGYN down the hall. Now I have to run around from doctor to doctor, always making sure that whatever I am supposed to do is OK with Tricare. It is an adjustment, but I'm willing to make that adjustment as long as I'm getting good care.
Tuesday three-ish
This evening we did our run. We went after we got home from the farmers market where we ate dinner. I think I ran too soon after, as I got some stomach cramps. It was a pretty good run. We did a medium loop just us, then we got the dogs for a short loop. They did really well. I had Rava and I think my pace is right in between her jogging and her running gaits. Bill sprinted with Tawny at the end and Rava and I tried to keep up. I couldn't keep up with Rava! I think they will do well at the 5k next month that we plan to run them in. They will probably push me to a PR!
We ran 2.77 miles in 29:15 for an average pace of 10:23. Splits: 10:52, 10:43, 7:40 (=9:56 pace).
We ran 2.77 miles in 29:15 for an average pace of 10:23. Splits: 10:52, 10:43, 7:40 (=9:56 pace).
Midday swim
In the middle of the day Monday Bill and I went to the pool. We spent around 25 minutes there, just doing laps. We did 15 out and backs, or 30 lengths of the pool. I still do not know how long the pool is, but it looks like it could be half of a typical lap pool, which is 75 yards. So I estimate that we did 15 x 75 yds = ~1100 yds. I'm pleased with that.
I know we stopped several times, and getting that little break at the ends and the push off the wall helps, but if I can do 1100 yards, then there is the chance I can do 1500 yards, which is the distance of the swim in an Olympic distance triathlon. So there's hope for me!
I am mulling over doing the Wildflower Triathlon next May. The running and cycling clubs at NPS have mentioned doing that as a group next year, so that's how the thought entered my mind. The swim is in a lake, which I think would be easier than the Pacific Ocean. We'll see...
I know we stopped several times, and getting that little break at the ends and the push off the wall helps, but if I can do 1100 yards, then there is the chance I can do 1500 yards, which is the distance of the swim in an Olympic distance triathlon. So there's hope for me!
I am mulling over doing the Wildflower Triathlon next May. The running and cycling clubs at NPS have mentioned doing that as a group next year, so that's how the thought entered my mind. The swim is in a lake, which I think would be easier than the Pacific Ocean. We'll see...
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Week 3 LSD
This morning's long slow distance run was brought to you by lots of pizza and wine from last night. The scenery was beautiful and really made the run enjoyable. We started at the Monterey Beach and ran the path east to Seaside. We took the low fork on the way out and then the Dunes fork on the way back. I did not have any pain in my legs or feet and I am really happy about that. I think the new pair of shoes is making a difference.
We ran 8 miles in 1:26:28 for an average pace of 10:49. We ran faster the last half mile just to have a strong finish. Splits: 10:57, 11:03, 11:11, 10:53, 10:56, 10:52, 10:38, 9:57.
After the run we went to The Wild Plum Cafe and Bakery for brunch. The coffee was not good, the food was OK, and the service was meh, so I don't think this will be our regular brunch place either. Bummer.
We ran 8 miles in 1:26:28 for an average pace of 10:49. We ran faster the last half mile just to have a strong finish. Splits: 10:57, 11:03, 11:11, 10:53, 10:56, 10:52, 10:38, 9:57.
After the run we went to The Wild Plum Cafe and Bakery for brunch. The coffee was not good, the food was OK, and the service was meh, so I don't think this will be our regular brunch place either. Bummer.
Carmel Festival of Authors and Ideas
On Friday we got a call from one of Bill's friends asking if we wanted to go to the Carmel Festival of Authors and Ideas because she had extra tickets. We didn't really know what that was. After looking it up online, we were pretty impressed and called her to say we'd go. Apparently some kind people had donated tickets to the school and some folks decided they had other plans, so we were able to score them tickets. They cost $550 a piece! That is not a typo! I am glad she thought of us, or those tickets would have gone to waste.
We saw quite a few incredible authors give fantastic presentations. I was blown away by Tina Seelig's presentation on enhancing creativity, laughed at Rick Reilly's experiences as a sport's writer, was intrigued by Sean Senechal's discussion on teaching your dog sign language, and impressed by Sandra Day O'Connor's talk. Michael Alec Rose was thrilling as he led us through an analysis of music, focusing mostly on Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". He was incredibly passionate and demonstrative and downright funny! I wish I could have recorded his talk. The discussion with Google and Facebook was interesting and I could go on and on. It was exciting to be a part of this conference, and it was pretty cool to have Dave Barry sit down right in front of me!
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend such an event. I appreciate the generosity of the donor who provided the ticket and Kristin for thinking of us. I am pretty sure I would not have attended otherwise.
When we got home that evening, we fed the dogs and then headed over to Ty and Mina's for dinner. We had pizza and wine and chatted. I really like them. They are a good couple, good people, and a lot of fun to be around. Mina expressed some interest in starting to run, so one day this week we are going to get her fitted for some running shoes. She also wants to learn to knit, so we may do that this week as well.
Saturday was a really great day and I was exhausted by the time we got to bed. I am not sure I remember my head hitting the pillow!
We saw quite a few incredible authors give fantastic presentations. I was blown away by Tina Seelig's presentation on enhancing creativity, laughed at Rick Reilly's experiences as a sport's writer, was intrigued by Sean Senechal's discussion on teaching your dog sign language, and impressed by Sandra Day O'Connor's talk. Michael Alec Rose was thrilling as he led us through an analysis of music, focusing mostly on Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". He was incredibly passionate and demonstrative and downright funny! I wish I could have recorded his talk. The discussion with Google and Facebook was interesting and I could go on and on. It was exciting to be a part of this conference, and it was pretty cool to have Dave Barry sit down right in front of me!
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend such an event. I appreciate the generosity of the donor who provided the ticket and Kristin for thinking of us. I am pretty sure I would not have attended otherwise.
When we got home that evening, we fed the dogs and then headed over to Ty and Mina's for dinner. We had pizza and wine and chatted. I really like them. They are a good couple, good people, and a lot of fun to be around. Mina expressed some interest in starting to run, so one day this week we are going to get her fitted for some running shoes. She also wants to learn to knit, so we may do that this week as well.
Saturday was a really great day and I was exhausted by the time we got to bed. I am not sure I remember my head hitting the pillow!
Fartleks
Giggle, giggle :-)! Saturday was a base mile run, but we jazzed it up with a few fartleks. These are random sprints during a run. So we'd be going along and say "let's sprint to the lightpole" or something like that. It made for a fun time.
We ran this early (around 6am) because we were going to the festival and had to leave by 8. It was so foggy/misty that it felt like a light drizzle. Perhaps we should have waited for a dry day to do fartleks, but oh well.
We ran 2.86 miles in 30:00 for an average pace of 10:29. I forgot to turn the autolap back on.
We ran this early (around 6am) because we were going to the festival and had to leave by 8. It was so foggy/misty that it felt like a light drizzle. Perhaps we should have waited for a dry day to do fartleks, but oh well.
We ran 2.86 miles in 30:00 for an average pace of 10:29. I forgot to turn the autolap back on.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Shoe theory
Yesterday we went to get Bill's new phone issues fixed. While at the shopping center and waiting on this, I went to Fleet Feet Sports to donate my first pair of running shoes. They have a bin to collect old shoes that they will recycle and give to people in other parts of the world. I had seen the box the other day and thought it would be a good place for my Pearl Izumis.
I asked the gentleman, Walt, who happens to be one of the owners, about the issues I have been having. He mentioned that it could be that I got a defective shoe. That surprised me, but considering the fact that I took back products from my customers for being defective, why not? All the trouble was in my left foot and leg. Ordinarily I get problems in the right leg. Since I had not been running in them very long, he offered to trade them out and he happened to have a pair in stock.
I went home and got the old shoes and brought them in to trade. This morning I ran in them and did not have any pain. I am encouraged by this. I won't pass judgment until I've run in them for a few weeks.
I asked the gentleman, Walt, who happens to be one of the owners, about the issues I have been having. He mentioned that it could be that I got a defective shoe. That surprised me, but considering the fact that I took back products from my customers for being defective, why not? All the trouble was in my left foot and leg. Ordinarily I get problems in the right leg. Since I had not been running in them very long, he offered to trade them out and he happened to have a pair in stock.
I went home and got the old shoes and brought them in to trade. This morning I ran in them and did not have any pain. I am encouraged by this. I won't pass judgment until I've run in them for a few weeks.
Intervals!
It's Thursday, so it is a good day for some speedwork. We did one short lap (1.1) to warm up, then 5 sets of one minute hard, one minute easy, then one cooldown lap. It was a good run. I would have finished the second lap at the house after the fifth cool down minute had I been 14 seconds faster through the intervals. But that's OK.
No pain in the new shoes! Explanation to follow.
Splits: 10:50, 7:52, 10:17, 7:32, 10:06, 8:27, 10:51, 9:29, 10:17, 8:51, 10:22, 10:59.
No pain in the new shoes! Explanation to follow.
Splits: 10:50, 7:52, 10:17, 7:32, 10:06, 8:27, 10:51, 9:29, 10:17, 8:51, 10:22, 10:59.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Tuesday four
We did a nice four-miler this afternoon. The cable guy showed up around 8 this morning and Bill had to be in for orientation at 8, so we pushed the run back. It didn't matter like it would have mattered in Pensacola. The temp this afternoon was 68, which felt a little warm in the sun, but nothing like we would have had down south.
We did a sprint for the last two minutes or so. My Garmin was displaying lap pace not current pace, so I have no idea how I did. Somewhere around 8:15 or so, which is pretty good. Half the sprint was uphill and the other half was down.
Splits: 10:33, 10:37, 10:25, 10:34.
We did a sprint for the last two minutes or so. My Garmin was displaying lap pace not current pace, so I have no idea how I did. Somewhere around 8:15 or so, which is pretty good. Half the sprint was uphill and the other half was down.
Splits: 10:33, 10:37, 10:25, 10:34.
The error of omission can be costly
Monday Bill and I took boxes over to the self storage place and got lunch at my new favorite sandwich shop. I got the cheese sandwich again, this time the lady making it told me that it comes with avocado if you don't get meat. That made a great sandwich a little better.
In the display case they had macaroni salad and potato salad. I got the jonz for some potato salad. The ingredients listed were: potatoes, mayo, onion, celery. The mac salad had the same ingredients except macaroni instead of potato. I asked if there was any seasonings or anything else and I was told that there was salt and pepper. It sounded perfect!
As I ate it, I noticed a flavor that I couldn't put my finger on. I figured it out. Sweet relish. You know, the kind with the peppers in it. I figured it out as I was starting to get ill. It is really too bad, as the potato salad was the perfect consistency and I am sure had the ingredients been only what was noted, I would have really really really enjoyed it. Instead, I spent the afternoon fighting a losing battle with my stomach and intestines.
I grabbed some Reese's Peanut Butter Cups at a store to try and get rid of the taste in my mouth and to try and settle my stomach. It usually helps some. These did help a little, but I wish I could have enjoyed that indulgence, rather than having it been a medical emergency.
I am bummed by this experience, but now I know. I guess the only potato salad I can rely on to be safe is the one I make.
In the display case they had macaroni salad and potato salad. I got the jonz for some potato salad. The ingredients listed were: potatoes, mayo, onion, celery. The mac salad had the same ingredients except macaroni instead of potato. I asked if there was any seasonings or anything else and I was told that there was salt and pepper. It sounded perfect!
As I ate it, I noticed a flavor that I couldn't put my finger on. I figured it out. Sweet relish. You know, the kind with the peppers in it. I figured it out as I was starting to get ill. It is really too bad, as the potato salad was the perfect consistency and I am sure had the ingredients been only what was noted, I would have really really really enjoyed it. Instead, I spent the afternoon fighting a losing battle with my stomach and intestines.
I grabbed some Reese's Peanut Butter Cups at a store to try and get rid of the taste in my mouth and to try and settle my stomach. It usually helps some. These did help a little, but I wish I could have enjoyed that indulgence, rather than having it been a medical emergency.
I am bummed by this experience, but now I know. I guess the only potato salad I can rely on to be safe is the one I make.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
WORST dining experience in a long time
While we ran today, Bill and I looked for a place to have brunch after. The Trailside Cafe won out. It looked cute and cozy and it was right on the trail. After the run we drove over to it and got in line to order. Bill placed the orders while I grabbed the first available table. I selected the omelet with spinach, mushrooms, goat cheese, and some other stuff. The menu indicated it comes with toast. It sounded heavenly.
After quite some time (20 minutes or so), our meals came. There were breakfast potatoes on my plate, laden with red bell peppers. Now, we would have asked for no potatoes had the menu indicated that they came with the meal. So we sent the dish back, explaining the allergy. The dish came out 25 minutes later. Well, I should say that it went on the shelf where all the other plates come out of the kitchen. The waitresses delivered the other dishes that were on the shelf except for the one on the far left, which sat there for at least five minutes. We gave up and decided to settle our bill without paying for my omelet. As Bill is paying, he hears them say that they made the dish with the potatoes again and they would have to remake it. FORGET IT! We had been there an hour and I didn't get my food. Thankfully Bill had ordered some fruit and begniets to share, so I wasn't completely starved.
I am truly disappointed in this experience. It looked like a nice cafe; a place we could possibly have made a traditional post-run stop. I don't think so. I am so irked by this experience that I don't want to go back and give them a second chance.
After quite some time (20 minutes or so), our meals came. There were breakfast potatoes on my plate, laden with red bell peppers. Now, we would have asked for no potatoes had the menu indicated that they came with the meal. So we sent the dish back, explaining the allergy. The dish came out 25 minutes later. Well, I should say that it went on the shelf where all the other plates come out of the kitchen. The waitresses delivered the other dishes that were on the shelf except for the one on the far left, which sat there for at least five minutes. We gave up and decided to settle our bill without paying for my omelet. As Bill is paying, he hears them say that they made the dish with the potatoes again and they would have to remake it. FORGET IT! We had been there an hour and I didn't get my food. Thankfully Bill had ordered some fruit and begniets to share, so I wasn't completely starved.
I am truly disappointed in this experience. It looked like a nice cafe; a place we could possibly have made a traditional post-run stop. I don't think so. I am so irked by this experience that I don't want to go back and give them a second chance.
Week 2 LSD
Week 2's Long, Slow, Distance run. Went along the Monterey Recreational Trail from the Monterey Beach Park west to Lover's Point, back and then east to NPS and back. It was a nice run. I am going to enjoy the runs we do there. The scenery is great and it was cool to see so many other runners, cyclists, walkers, and dogs out.
Splits: 10:58, 10:40, 11:03, 11:19, 10:16, 10:34, 10:47. I wonder what caused me to speed up after mile four. I wasn't being chased by any dogs.
Splits: 10:58, 10:40, 11:03, 11:19, 10:16, 10:34, 10:47. I wonder what caused me to speed up after mile four. I wasn't being chased by any dogs.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Sammiches
Yesterday Bill and I went to rent a self-storage unit to get some of the stuff out of the way. We are tripping over boxes, but we have been really good about taking each thing out and deciding whether it is a keep, sell, or throw away. All the things we want to sell went in the unit yesterday. Five dish barrels and two 4.5 cu ft boxes. We also moved all the empties to the yard, so we have a lot more room in here in which to work.
At the storage place we asked Marion for a recommendation for places to eat. She mentioned that the "Bi-Rite" just down the street was excellent for "sammiches". We decided to drive by and see it on the way out. It was a little corner grocery, advertising deli sandwiches. We decided to give it a try. I had a plain ol' cheese sandwich, but it was really good! It so hit the spot, even though it was simple. It was probably the best cheese sandwich I have had in a very, very long time. What a pleasant surprise! I know I will be back there for lunch again.
At the storage place we asked Marion for a recommendation for places to eat. She mentioned that the "Bi-Rite" just down the street was excellent for "sammiches". We decided to drive by and see it on the way out. It was a little corner grocery, advertising deli sandwiches. We decided to give it a try. I had a plain ol' cheese sandwich, but it was really good! It so hit the spot, even though it was simple. It was probably the best cheese sandwich I have had in a very, very long time. What a pleasant surprise! I know I will be back there for lunch again.
Base miles
Got a few more miles on the legs today. Bill and I did a medium loop around the neighborhood and then went to get the dogs to do a short loop. Tawny misbehaved, so she got put in the yard and we took Rava.
I think Rav really enjoyed the run. Her ears were flapping and she looked like she was having a great time. Maybe she even appreciated being away from Tawny for a little bit and getting all the attention. She did a little over a mile without stopping, which is awesome. I ran with her for most of it, then she and Bill took off for the last bit.
We did 2.86 miles in 29:57 for an average pace of 10:28. Splits: 10:18, 10:33, 9:05 (=10:34 pace). It was a good run.
I think Rav really enjoyed the run. Her ears were flapping and she looked like she was having a great time. Maybe she even appreciated being away from Tawny for a little bit and getting all the attention. She did a little over a mile without stopping, which is awesome. I ran with her for most of it, then she and Bill took off for the last bit.
We did 2.86 miles in 29:57 for an average pace of 10:28. Splits: 10:18, 10:33, 9:05 (=10:34 pace). It was a good run.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Thursday tempo run on Friday
Ran the 1.12 mile loop around the neighborhood. One lap warm up, one at tempo (I was shooting for 8:45). Splits: 10:47, 8:51, 10:55. I'm pretty proud of that.
We did 3.35 miles in 34:03 for an average pace of 10:09.
I got a strange pain at the hip joint in my left leg during the cool down. I had to stop for a few seconds. It bugged me the last third of a mile. It went away when we finished and walked for a few. Odd. I hope it doesn't come back.
We did 3.35 miles in 34:03 for an average pace of 10:09.
I got a strange pain at the hip joint in my left leg during the cool down. I had to stop for a few seconds. It bugged me the last third of a mile. It went away when we finished and walked for a few. Odd. I hope it doesn't come back.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Swimming
I got back in the pool Wednesday. We took an afternoon break. We went to a sporting goods store to find goggles for Bill. My second pair didn't fit him well. He found a pair he liked, so we went to the community center in the housing area. We didn't know we needed a combo to get in, so we registered in the office and finally got into the pool.
It is not an Olympic lap pool, but it is decent. Much better than a goof around in pool. I think the laps are probably half length. I did 17 out and backs (34 lengths of the pool) in 30 minutes. It sure felt good!
It is not an Olympic lap pool, but it is decent. Much better than a goof around in pool. I think the laps are probably half length. I did 17 out and backs (34 lengths of the pool) in 30 minutes. It sure felt good!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
HMT Week 2 Day 1
Today was the first day of the second week of my third half marathon training. We did a nice and easy three miles around the neighborhood. We got the hill workout in, as we live at the top of the hill, so it doesn't matter which street we take, we start down and end up. It was a good run.
I was feeling a little more inspired inside this morning. Last night I unpacked my running awards. I had the two finisher medals from the two half marathons and the Fiesta 10k, my 3rd place place medal from the Tiger Trot 10k, and my 1st place ribbon from the Flag Day 5k. I was smiling as I reminisced. Soon I'll have another finisher medal from the Big Sur Half.
We ran 3.0 miles in 31:55 for an average pace of 10:38. Splits: 10:39, 10:25, 10:49.
I was feeling a little more inspired inside this morning. Last night I unpacked my running awards. I had the two finisher medals from the two half marathons and the Fiesta 10k, my 3rd place place medal from the Tiger Trot 10k, and my 1st place ribbon from the Flag Day 5k. I was smiling as I reminisced. Soon I'll have another finisher medal from the Big Sur Half.
We ran 3.0 miles in 31:55 for an average pace of 10:38. Splits: 10:39, 10:25, 10:49.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Week 1 LSD
Long, slow, distance run today. We should have done this yesterday, but we were traveling back from Reno. We ran a few laps around our new neighborhood. It was a little hilly, but that will be a good challenge. It was a good run.
We ran 6.0 miles in 1:03:57 for an average pace of 10:39. That's a little fast for an LSD run, but that's OK. Splits: 10:14, 10:21, 10:46, 10:52, 40, 11:02.
Now it's off to the showers and then we hit the boxes.
We ran 6.0 miles in 1:03:57 for an average pace of 10:39. That's a little fast for an LSD run, but that's OK. Splits: 10:14, 10:21, 10:46, 10:52, 40, 11:02.
Now it's off to the showers and then we hit the boxes.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Reunion time
Saturday was a great day! After the run, Bill and I went to have breakfast. Then we came back to the coach and showered. I dropped him off at the conference and I took the dogs to the Sparks Marina Dog Park. They were soooooooooooooo happy! They really had a great time just running around and around and swimming in the lake.
Later that afternoon we went to the Flag Panel, which is an open forum for the audience to ask questions of the admirals. It is a great idea, but you never really get a straight answer, unless it is an easy yes/no question. After that we came back to the coach and got ready for dinner. We met our friends, Tom and Jenn, at the Nugget and took a taxi to the Silver Peak Brewery, the same place we went last week with my MBA classmates. The food was great and we had a fun time. Those two are a hoot and I wish we lived closer to them.
Following dinner we went to see our friends, Matt and Alecia, at their hotel room. We brought over a bottle of wine and got caught up over the years. Their one-year old daughter was asleep, but we got to see their three-year old son. He was a hoot! He came over to show me his backpack, which is pretty cool since apparently he does not take well to strangers. I guess I made a good impression!
It has been great weekend of seeing people we haven't seen in ages and yet it feels like we just saw them yesterday.
Later that afternoon we went to the Flag Panel, which is an open forum for the audience to ask questions of the admirals. It is a great idea, but you never really get a straight answer, unless it is an easy yes/no question. After that we came back to the coach and got ready for dinner. We met our friends, Tom and Jenn, at the Nugget and took a taxi to the Silver Peak Brewery, the same place we went last week with my MBA classmates. The food was great and we had a fun time. Those two are a hoot and I wish we lived closer to them.
Following dinner we went to see our friends, Matt and Alecia, at their hotel room. We brought over a bottle of wine and got caught up over the years. Their one-year old daughter was asleep, but we got to see their three-year old son. He was a hoot! He came over to show me his backpack, which is pretty cool since apparently he does not take well to strangers. I guess I made a good impression!
It has been great weekend of seeing people we haven't seen in ages and yet it feels like we just saw them yesterday.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Tailhook 5k
We ran the Tailhook 5k Fun Run this morning. We met at The Nugget and took the bus to the Sparks Marina. The course was 1-3/4 laps around the path. It was a good run, though I may have been able to push it a little more. The temps were in the mid 50s and it was sunny. Reno's altitude is around 4500', so I was feeling that. The Reno Hot Air Balloon Festival is this weekend. It was neat to see all the balloons go up in the air.
I ran 3.14 miles in 28:41 for an average pace of 9:09. Splits: 9:00, 9:06, 9:21, 1:15 (=9:10 pace).
I ran 3.14 miles in 28:41 for an average pace of 9:09. Splits: 9:00, 9:06, 9:21, 1:15 (=9:10 pace).
Boxes and beers
Thursday our household goods shipment was delivered. All 13,700+ pounds of it. Whew!! We were relieved to know that we weren't over our weight allowance (17,000#). It is also a relief to know that a good portion of that weight is packing materials.
I had listed several "high value" items on the inventory sheets. I am missing two tubs of yarn. Well, one tub of yarn and one tub that held all my pattern books and magazines. The other four made it. I'm estimating the value of the loss at around $3,000. I am hoping that the books were repacked into one of the thousand boxes marked "books" and the tote was placed in another box instead of being wrapped by itself. We checked several boxes to try and find them, but we didn't have any luck. I'm a little bummed. Otherwise, we escaped relatively unscathed. Some minor damage, but overall not bad.
The moving crew we had was top-notch! I have never been impressed by movers before, but these guys were great. They were professional, polite, friendly, helpful, and competent. AWESOME!
After the unloading, Bill and I decided to go back to the coach and have some wine. That changed into going out to dinner. We found a little Italian joint called the Loose Noodle. The food was very good and relatively inexpensive. The service was a little lacking, but I see potential. We will definitely go back there.
Friday morning we packed up the coach, loaded the herd, and set forth over the Donner Pass. We took a different route than before and it took longer and cost us $14 in tolls. We won't be doing that again on the way back! We got into Reno and our RV spot with just enough time to spare to grab a quick dinner and head over to the Tailhook Convention for the annual "Bug" Roach mixer. We saw so many folks we haven't seen in years and it was a lot of fun. There was quite a bit of drunken debauchery, as usual. We headed out around midnight. We probably could have spent more time there, but there were the dogs to take care of and we were getting up early to run the Tailhook 5k Fun Run. Report time? 6:45am. Oofah!
I had listed several "high value" items on the inventory sheets. I am missing two tubs of yarn. Well, one tub of yarn and one tub that held all my pattern books and magazines. The other four made it. I'm estimating the value of the loss at around $3,000. I am hoping that the books were repacked into one of the thousand boxes marked "books" and the tote was placed in another box instead of being wrapped by itself. We checked several boxes to try and find them, but we didn't have any luck. I'm a little bummed. Otherwise, we escaped relatively unscathed. Some minor damage, but overall not bad.
The moving crew we had was top-notch! I have never been impressed by movers before, but these guys were great. They were professional, polite, friendly, helpful, and competent. AWESOME!
After the unloading, Bill and I decided to go back to the coach and have some wine. That changed into going out to dinner. We found a little Italian joint called the Loose Noodle. The food was very good and relatively inexpensive. The service was a little lacking, but I see potential. We will definitely go back there.
Friday morning we packed up the coach, loaded the herd, and set forth over the Donner Pass. We took a different route than before and it took longer and cost us $14 in tolls. We won't be doing that again on the way back! We got into Reno and our RV spot with just enough time to spare to grab a quick dinner and head over to the Tailhook Convention for the annual "Bug" Roach mixer. We saw so many folks we haven't seen in years and it was a lot of fun. There was quite a bit of drunken debauchery, as usual. We headed out around midnight. We probably could have spent more time there, but there were the dogs to take care of and we were getting up early to run the Tailhook 5k Fun Run. Report time? 6:45am. Oofah!
Home sweet home
Tuesday Bill got to start checking in at NPS. He got quite a few things checked off his list. That afternoon we went to the downtown Farmers' Market. WOW! There was so much good stuff! We could have spent a fortune. We ordered crepes for dinner at one of the vendors. It was HUGE! Delicious.
We decided to go with base housing. Wednesday we went in and signed the lease on a particular unit. It is a four-bedroom duplex with a super size yard. We're pretty happy with it. It will do quite nicely as we downsize.
Not bad, huh?
We decided to go with base housing. Wednesday we went in and signed the lease on a particular unit. It is a four-bedroom duplex with a super size yard. We're pretty happy with it. It will do quite nicely as we downsize.
Not bad, huh?
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
HMT Day 2
We are getting our household goods shipment tomorrow, so we moved the workout up a day. It was also good because I did a software update and reset on the Gremlin -- er, Garmin -- and I wanted to see how it was doing. I got the same distance as yesterday on the same route, so there's hope.
We ran 3.71 miles in 39:09 for an average pace of 10:33. Splits: 10:13, 10:49, 10:33, 7:35 (=10:42 pace).
We ran 3.71 miles in 39:09 for an average pace of 10:33. Splits: 10:13, 10:49, 10:33, 7:35 (=10:42 pace).
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
HMT Day 1
Bill and I started training for our next half marathon today. It has been nine days since I ran last. Wow. I didn't realize it had been that long. It felt good to get back out there. We did 3.7 miles in 40:22 for an average pace of 10:55. Splits: 10:19, 11:23, 10:54, 7:46 (=11:07 pace). Nice and easy.
Monday, September 05, 2011
The first few days in paradise
So we've been here a few days and have done so much! It is nice to be taking advantage of the area. Friday we went to the housing office and looked at a few floor plans. We then drove around and looked at the available units. We found one with a decent sized backyard and requested it to be held for us. We saw another couple out looking at the same units, so we wanted to stake our claim first. We have to finalize arrangements on Tuesday.
From there we dropped by the house of our friends, Ty and Mina. Ty was at school, but we got to see Mina for a little while. We picked up the mail they have been holding for us as well as the Honda. We then went to the commissary and then met Ty and Mina at the fair. The Monterey County Fair is at the Fairgrounds, which is just down the street. It was fun to walk around, and Ty and Bill and I split a deep-fried Snickers bar. It was ... disappointing. However, I'm glad we tried it.
After the fair, Bill and I met one of his fellow Pashto students from DC, Kristin, at her house in Carmel and we went to a fondue restaurant in Carmel at the Barnyard. It was a lot of fun.
Saturday we woke up and headed to Gilroy to go to Camping World and look at RVs. We think we found the coach that we want. It has pretty much everything we want and a really good layout. The price was decent, and then the guy said that he'd give us the Labor Day Special to move it out. That could make the deal much sweeter. The question is, did we want that particular unit? It had a damage to the wood around one of the slides and we're not totally thrilled with the color scheme. We could order one from the factory, but we would lose a lot of negotiating power on the price. We are not going to rush this, so we're still mulling it over.
From the dealer we decided that we needed to do something more to make this a good day, so we went wine tasting at a few of the Santa Clara County wineries. They were really good and we enjoyed the tastings. Then we took the scenic route (lots of twisty turns) back to the coach. For the first time in years of camping, the dogs had discovered where the cat food was. And they ate my flowers. Bummer. I suppose no good time goes unpunished with these guys. Overall, though, it was a great Saturday.
That great Saturday was followed by a great Sunday. We went to San Francisco! It took two hours to get there and we went to have Sunday brunch at Greens, our favorite vegetarian restaurant. I had informed them of my allergy when we made the reservation several days ago and talked them through it again that morning. We started with flights of mimosas: orange, grapefruit, and black currant. They were all quite tasty. I got the eggplant sandwich. I had a few bites and then noticed red things. Bill saw them on the other half of the sandwich. We asked the waitress and she verified that it was paprika and apologized profusely. The maitre d' apologized and took our order for something else. I decided to try the potato pesto pizza. He also brought another flight of mimosas. The pizza was good, but my stomach was revolting from the paprika.
After lunch, we went to The Art of Shaving, where Bill got a spa shave and haircut. He seemed to really enjoy the experience. I got some good knitting time in. Here are the before, during, and after photos.
From San Fran, we headed home through Santa Cruz. We have been wanting to go to the Bonny Doon Cellar Door for a long time. We would have just missed it if we went Saturday. As it was, we got there just as they stopped the tastings, fifteen minutes before close. We purchased a few bottles of some really good wines. The tasting room is in a complex with tasting rooms from four other wineries as well as a microbrewery. We are going to have to go back and make a day of it!
Bonny Doon is hosting the Day of the Doon party in two weeks. It is a members only event. It's pretty pricey, but it is wine, wine, wine, and food. We asked about the menu and was assured that I could get a pepper free, vegetarian entree. We have been debating on going. It would be a lot of fun, I'm sure. It would be more fun if we had friends to go with. We'll work on that.
Monday we took the dogs to the Carmel City Beach. OMG!! They were in heaven! They ran and ran and ran! They made a few dog friends and ran like made. They were exhausted. We then took them back to the truck to get toweled off and then took a walk through Carmel. We ran into Kristin, who was just roaming around. She joined us for lunch at Forge in the Forest, a dog-friendly restaurant. In fact, they have a dog menu! They bring them a bowl of water. On the menu is kibble, hot dogs, hamburgers, and steak. We ordered our lunch (I had the portabella mushroom sandwich) and two hamburgers for the dogs. It came chopped up in a dog dish. It was awesome for them.
After lunch we got a little buzz at the coffee shop and headed out to find the dog-friendly winery tasting room in Carmel. It was out by the Barnyard, near the fondue place. We went in and the people were quite nice and the wines were good. It was right near The Treadmill, a running shop. I had heard about this place from a friend. We browsed for a few minutes before going to Taste Morgan. Then we headed back to the coach to relax with a bottle of Rose that we just bought. We were supposed to have dinner with Ty and Mina, but he didn't feel he got enough studying in for his final tomorrow, so he asked for a raincheck. I was looking forward to visiting with them, and getting to know Mina. She seems really sweet (Friday was the first time I have met her) but I am sure we will be spending quite a bit of time together over the next few months/years.
From there we dropped by the house of our friends, Ty and Mina. Ty was at school, but we got to see Mina for a little while. We picked up the mail they have been holding for us as well as the Honda. We then went to the commissary and then met Ty and Mina at the fair. The Monterey County Fair is at the Fairgrounds, which is just down the street. It was fun to walk around, and Ty and Bill and I split a deep-fried Snickers bar. It was ... disappointing. However, I'm glad we tried it.
After the fair, Bill and I met one of his fellow Pashto students from DC, Kristin, at her house in Carmel and we went to a fondue restaurant in Carmel at the Barnyard. It was a lot of fun.
Saturday we woke up and headed to Gilroy to go to Camping World and look at RVs. We think we found the coach that we want. It has pretty much everything we want and a really good layout. The price was decent, and then the guy said that he'd give us the Labor Day Special to move it out. That could make the deal much sweeter. The question is, did we want that particular unit? It had a damage to the wood around one of the slides and we're not totally thrilled with the color scheme. We could order one from the factory, but we would lose a lot of negotiating power on the price. We are not going to rush this, so we're still mulling it over.
From the dealer we decided that we needed to do something more to make this a good day, so we went wine tasting at a few of the Santa Clara County wineries. They were really good and we enjoyed the tastings. Then we took the scenic route (lots of twisty turns) back to the coach. For the first time in years of camping, the dogs had discovered where the cat food was. And they ate my flowers. Bummer. I suppose no good time goes unpunished with these guys. Overall, though, it was a great Saturday.
That great Saturday was followed by a great Sunday. We went to San Francisco! It took two hours to get there and we went to have Sunday brunch at Greens, our favorite vegetarian restaurant. I had informed them of my allergy when we made the reservation several days ago and talked them through it again that morning. We started with flights of mimosas: orange, grapefruit, and black currant. They were all quite tasty. I got the eggplant sandwich. I had a few bites and then noticed red things. Bill saw them on the other half of the sandwich. We asked the waitress and she verified that it was paprika and apologized profusely. The maitre d' apologized and took our order for something else. I decided to try the potato pesto pizza. He also brought another flight of mimosas. The pizza was good, but my stomach was revolting from the paprika.
After lunch, we went to The Art of Shaving, where Bill got a spa shave and haircut. He seemed to really enjoy the experience. I got some good knitting time in. Here are the before, during, and after photos.
From San Fran, we headed home through Santa Cruz. We have been wanting to go to the Bonny Doon Cellar Door for a long time. We would have just missed it if we went Saturday. As it was, we got there just as they stopped the tastings, fifteen minutes before close. We purchased a few bottles of some really good wines. The tasting room is in a complex with tasting rooms from four other wineries as well as a microbrewery. We are going to have to go back and make a day of it!
Bonny Doon is hosting the Day of the Doon party in two weeks. It is a members only event. It's pretty pricey, but it is wine, wine, wine, and food. We asked about the menu and was assured that I could get a pepper free, vegetarian entree. We have been debating on going. It would be a lot of fun, I'm sure. It would be more fun if we had friends to go with. We'll work on that.
Monday we took the dogs to the Carmel City Beach. OMG!! They were in heaven! They ran and ran and ran! They made a few dog friends and ran like made. They were exhausted. We then took them back to the truck to get toweled off and then took a walk through Carmel. We ran into Kristin, who was just roaming around. She joined us for lunch at Forge in the Forest, a dog-friendly restaurant. In fact, they have a dog menu! They bring them a bowl of water. On the menu is kibble, hot dogs, hamburgers, and steak. We ordered our lunch (I had the portabella mushroom sandwich) and two hamburgers for the dogs. It came chopped up in a dog dish. It was awesome for them.
After lunch we got a little buzz at the coffee shop and headed out to find the dog-friendly winery tasting room in Carmel. It was out by the Barnyard, near the fondue place. We went in and the people were quite nice and the wines were good. It was right near The Treadmill, a running shop. I had heard about this place from a friend. We browsed for a few minutes before going to Taste Morgan. Then we headed back to the coach to relax with a bottle of Rose that we just bought. We were supposed to have dinner with Ty and Mina, but he didn't feel he got enough studying in for his final tomorrow, so he asked for a raincheck. I was looking forward to visiting with them, and getting to know Mina. She seems really sweet (Friday was the first time I have met her) but I am sure we will be spending quite a bit of time together over the next few months/years.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Day Thirty-seven of the big move west
We woke up at six this morning. Well, Bill did, and he fed the dogs. Then he started breakfast. I was awakened by the yummy smell of coffee and eggs. Mmmm! We ate, showered, buttoned up, and hit the road a little after 8. Today's destination? Monterey!
Yes, today was the last day of our once-in-a-lifetime vacation. We got out here midday and checked into the RV Park on the base. We set up camp, but ended up changing sites a few minutes later. We're now on a 50amp site (with our 30amp coach) and had to borrow an adapter to plug in. We may be moving to a different site after a few days.
Marco was a pain in the butt for most of the drive. I think the last hour was all the peace we got! Here are some cute photos of the animals on the drive today. Oh, and Happy Birthday, Rava!! May you have many, many more!
For dinner we went and picked up California Pizza Kitchen and dropped by the Whole Foods next door for some beer. Yes! We have a Whole Foods here! Just a few minutes away!
The Monterey County Fair is going on now, within walking distance of the coach. We are thinking about checking it out this weekend. Apparently tomorrow is Military Appreciation Day. We talked to our friend, Ty, who is here and we are going to try and see him and his wife and son this weekend too. We've made plans on Sunday for a day trip to San Francisco. That just sounds like fun, doesn't it?! A day trip to San Fran?! We are going to our favorite restaurant, Greens, for Sunday Brunch. We're going to count it as our anniversary celebration.
Tomorrow we head to the housing office and see what we can find out. It should be interesting!
Mileage for the day = 328
Total mileage = 4288
Yes, today was the last day of our once-in-a-lifetime vacation. We got out here midday and checked into the RV Park on the base. We set up camp, but ended up changing sites a few minutes later. We're now on a 50amp site (with our 30amp coach) and had to borrow an adapter to plug in. We may be moving to a different site after a few days.
Marco was a pain in the butt for most of the drive. I think the last hour was all the peace we got! Here are some cute photos of the animals on the drive today. Oh, and Happy Birthday, Rava!! May you have many, many more!
For dinner we went and picked up California Pizza Kitchen and dropped by the Whole Foods next door for some beer. Yes! We have a Whole Foods here! Just a few minutes away!
The Monterey County Fair is going on now, within walking distance of the coach. We are thinking about checking it out this weekend. Apparently tomorrow is Military Appreciation Day. We talked to our friend, Ty, who is here and we are going to try and see him and his wife and son this weekend too. We've made plans on Sunday for a day trip to San Francisco. That just sounds like fun, doesn't it?! A day trip to San Fran?! We are going to our favorite restaurant, Greens, for Sunday Brunch. We're going to count it as our anniversary celebration.
Tomorrow we head to the housing office and see what we can find out. It should be interesting!
Mileage for the day = 328
Total mileage = 4288
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